ECOLOGICAL ANIMATION: PORTRAYAL OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN ALLAHYAR AND THE LEGEND OF MARKHOR

Abstract

The current century is affected with a human-accelerated worldwide extinction calamity, stimulated by combined effect of drivers varying from climate change, tropical deforestation to attacking species and the wildlife trade. Ecological animation can play a very significant role in disseminating information regarding unlawful environmental activities and animal welfare. Using content analysis method, this study examines how an animated movie with an environmental theme has portrayed wildlife conservation issues prevalent in Pakistan today. The focus of the research is to explore the animated movie Allahyar and the legend of Markhor, to look for the relationship of a young boy with animals, and his struggle to save a markhor from illegal hunters. Also, this research provides information about the importance of wildlife and its conservation through the lens of ecocriticism theory. The study’s key findings demonstrate that there is a positive depiction of connection between humans and the natural environment, and the dialogues also portrayed a genuine connection of the main character with the environment. Throughout the movie, connectedness with nature is presented in such a way as an emotional individual familiarity of connection of Allahyar with the natural surroundings and animals.